Thermoplastic Tubular Body Edge Thermal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tubular bodies used in image forming apparatuses are prone to cracking and breakage due to irregular portions formed during cutting, leading to stress concentration and potential failure during repeated image forming operations.
Innovation Solution
Thermal processing of at least one edge of a tubular member containing thermoplastic resin to melt and cure the edges in a peripheral direction, creating a bulging shape that reduces the risk of cracking and enhances dynamic strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the tubular member is cut to form the tubular body, then the desired length and shape are achieved, but irregular portions are formed at the cut edges leading to stress concentration and potential cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing thermal processing on the cut edges of the tubular body before the product is put into service. The edges are heated to melt the thermoplastic resin and then cooled to cure it, creating a smooth, bulging surface that eliminates irregular portions and prevents future cracking. This pre-treatment ensures edge quality is improved after cutting but before the product encounters stress during operation.
2Reliability
If thermal processing is applied to the edges of the tubular member, then the edges are melted and cured to form a smooth bulging shape, but additional processing time and energy are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the thermal processing parameters (temperature, time, and cooling rate) to optimize the edge treatment process. The edges are heated to a specific temperature range to melt the thermoplastic resin, then cooled at a controlled rate to cure it and form the desired bulging shape. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves reliable crack resistance while minimizing processing time and energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The thermal processing method effectively reduces the formation of cracks in the end portions of the tubular body, increasing its durability and manufacturing efficiency by transforming irregular edges into smooth, bulging shapes that withstand repeated stress.
Implementation Method 1
at least one edge of the tubular member is thermally melted
Implementation Method 2
then cured in at least a portion of the edge in a peripheral direction
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular body for an image forming apparatus is formed by subjecting a tubular member containing a thermoplastic resin to thermal processing. The thermal processing is performed so that at least one edge of the tubular member is thermally melted and then cured in at least a portion of the edge in a peripheral direction.